Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions

Berea College's commitment to serving students from Southern Appalachia and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is demonstrated by the fact that over 74 percent of the student population comes from that region. The student body represents over 40 states nationally and more than 70 other countries. In keeping with its abolitionist roots and commitment to social justice, Berea College seeks to serve "all peoples of the earth" and places particular emphasis on interracial and intercultural education, as well as service-based learning initiatives. Because Berea also is committed to serving those students with demonstrated economic need, the College restricts admission to promising students whose families cannot finance a comparable college education without significant assistance. Thus, financial need is a requirement for admission. Furthermore, the College restricts admission to students who have not previously earned a Bachelor's degree. At Berea College, we combine our resources and those our students have available to them to pay for the costs of going to college. Thanks to our Tuition Promise Scholarship and our unique financial aid program, Berea students do not pay tuition and only pay a portion of the costs for housing and meals. Students graduate from Berea with a high quality education, practical experience from the College's Work program, and one of the lowest average student debt levels in the United States.

Introduction

Berea College has a national reputation for academic excellence. Therefore, a Berea education is highly prized, and admission is competitive. The College seeks to enroll students who possess limited financial resources and who are motivated to grow intellectually and personally in an environment shaped by Berea’s Great Commitments.

In the admissions process, emphasis is placed on the candidate’s academic record, particularly the kind and strength of courses taken and the grades earned. The College recommends, but does not require, that applicants complete the following high-school academic distribution:

• Four units of English (including composition, rhetoric, and literature)
• Three units of Mathematics (at least Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)
• Two units of Laboratory Science
• Two units of Social Science/History (including World History)
• Two units of Foreign Language

Those wishing to explore whether they meet the financial criterion for admission to Berea College may use the following table as an approximate guide or go to www.berea.edu/qualify to complete an online quick estimator.  All students are required to submit the FAFSA to complete an application file and students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant typically meet the College’s financial eligibility requirement. Many factors are considered when determining a student’s financial eligibility, primarily using the FAFSA, but in some cases a student may be required to submit a Financial Resource Questionnaire, Non-Custodial Financial Questionnaire, Self-Employed/Business Owner Questionnaire or additional documentation to ultimately determine an applicant’s financial eligibility.  NOTE: Families with members who are eligible for certain types of state or federal financial assistance (SSI, Food Stamps, Free or Reduced Lunch, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or WIC) are very likely to meet Berea Financial Requirements.

*Based on 2023 poverty guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services. 2023 AGI information will be reported on the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Amounts are updated annually. 

Because of Berea’s Tuition Promise, students are only required to pay out-of-pocket for mandatory fees, housing, and food. The exact amount students pay depends on the family’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Over 75% of Berea’s students receive enough aid to cover these expenses entirely. In addition, first-year students earn approximately $2,000 in the Labor Program their first year.

The average student-loan debt of Berea graduates is $6,000 after four years, compared to the national average of over $30,000. In recent years, over 50% of Berea students have graduated debt-free. Those who do receive student loans frequently use these funds to help finance educational experiences abroad in such locations as Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and Europe. Approximately forty percent (40%) of the College’s graduates spend some time abroad during their student experience at Berea.

Generally, admitted students may not defer enrollment. However, a student with a compelling reason may request deferment of enrollment to a subsequent term by writing a letter to the Associate Vice President of Admissions stating the reason for the request. All requests are considered by the Enrollment Policies Committee and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.  

In keeping with Berea's commitment to serving those with limited financial resources, the College does not charge an application fee.

Applying as a Freshman

Berea College accepts academically capable students who are driven toward success, are not afraid to work hard to achieve their goals, and wish to make a difference in the world. In recent years, admitted applicants have ranked in the top 20 percent of their high-school graduating class, have a high-school cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and have scored between 20 and 30 on the ACT or 1030 and 1360 on the SAT I.  Please note the College’s Fall 2023 application process is test score optional. All applications will be given the same consideration, regardless of test scores being submitted or not. With the exception of test-optional applicants, all applicants must meet the faculty-established minimum criteria for admissions to the College which is an ACT composite score of 19 (or SAT of 980) and rank in the top three-fifths of their high school class.  The admissions process conducts a holistic review of each applicant. Many factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, official academic records, test scores (if not test-optional) and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value recommendations/endorsements, Admissions Counselor conversations, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities, social maturity and demonstrated interest in the College.

Berea College operates as rolling admissions; however interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early and meet deadlines: November 15 (Early Action I Deadline), January 31 (Early Action II Deadline) and March 31 (Regular Decision Deadline). Well qualified applicants may be accepted for fall admission as early as December. Though an early application alone will not ensure admission to the College, some advantage may be realized by those who complete an application by the Early Action I Deadline (November 15). International students can submit an application by October 15 for Early Action or January 15 for Regular Decision.

The College maintains an admissions policy where all applicants are considered regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, disabling condition, or service in the uniformed services.

To be considered for admission to Berea College as a first-year student, an applicant must submit the following materials:

• A completed Application for Admission and Scholarship form.
• School Counselor Evaluation Form (to be completed by the high-school guidance counselor; GED holders and home-school applicants need not submit this form).
• Official high-school transcript (GED holders should submit official GED scores in lieu of high-school transcripts; home-schooled students should submit the Home-School Supplement Form if no transcript is available).
• Official ACT or SAT I scores (if applicant is not test score optional).
• A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
• One Teacher Recommendation Form -- must be from a core subject (e.g. English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Social Studies) teacher.  If the applicant has not recently been enrolled, a recommendation form from professionals in non-education fields and/or other community leaders will be accepted.

Credit by Examination

There are several options for receiving credit by examination—College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and A-Levels (Cambridge Exam). 

NOTE: No examination can be used to satisfy any of the five core classes within the General Education curriculum, including GSTR 110, GSTR 210, GSTR 310, GSTR 332, and GSTR 410.

College Board AP Examinations

To receive AP credit, the student must have taken AP courses in high school and must sit for AP examinations at a high school or college, or at a college testing center location. Academic credit is awarded for scores of 4 or higher. For information on equivalencies see below.  To receive credit, official AP scores must be received directly from the College Board--Berea College's Board Code is 1060.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

By Faculty action, students will receive credit for CLEP scores at the level determined by department. The action further provided that, if the department has not established a passing score, the student will receive credit if their score is at or above the mean for national private liberal-arts colleges.

1. Credit is limited to introductory courses; exceptions must be approved by the appropriate Department Chair and the Registrar.
2. Credit is granted at or above a score that correlates to a final course grade of “B,” unless additional departmental requirements have been established.
3. No credit is granted for a subject in which the student is required to take a basic (non-credit) course.
4. No credit is granted after college work has been attempted in the same subject area.

International Baccalaureate

IB Credit is awarded for Higher Level (HL) exams with a score of 4 or higher.  Official scores must be submitted directly to Berea College by the IB program.

A-Level Exams

Berea College accepts Cambridge A-Level exams with a grade of C or higher. Credit is determined by the Registrar's Office in consultation with the appropriate academic department. 

Course Credit and Equivalent

Berea College is on the course credit system.  In general, 32 credits are required to earn a degree.  One Berea course credit equals 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours. A transfer course must be equal to a minimum of 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours to receive equivalent credit for a Berea course or to meet a General Education requirement (except for Lifetime Health and Fitness courses).

Below is a credit conversion chart to help determine transfer credit equivalencies:

Also see “Transfer Credit” in the Admissions section of this publication.

The amount of credit awarded for each class at Berea is determined by the amount of time students are required to spend both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom in preparation.  For each 1.0 course credit in the 15 week fall and spring terms, the minimum standard is that an average student be expected to devote, in class time, preparation, laboratory, studio, fieldwork, and conferences, at least 12 hours per week.  A one-credit course meets in class between four and six hours each week. Courses awarding less than one credit often meet correspondingly less (for example, half-credit courses meet a minimum of two hours per week and quarter-credit courses meet a minimum of one hour per week).

Applying as a Transfer Student

Deadlines for completed applications from transfer students are February 1 (Priority Deadline) and March 31 (Regular Deadline).

Berea College accepts a limited number of transfer students. In recent years, most admitted transfer applicants have accumulated no more than 70 credit hours elsewhere, have presented a collegiate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), have successfully passed a College Algebra and College Composition course, and have been in good academic and disciplinary standing at the college or university they most recently attended.

Transfer applicants with courses currently in progress must submit final transcripts reflecting no less than a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the most recent 24 hours of courses taken.

The admissions process conducts a holistic review of each applicant.  Many factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, official academic records, test scores (if not test optional) and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value recommendations/endorsements, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities, social maturity and demonstrated interest in the College.

The College maintains an admissions policy where all applicants are considered regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, disabling condition, or service in the uniformed services.  

To be considered for admission to Berea College as a transfer student, an applicant must submit the following materials:

• A completed Application for Admission and Scholarship form.
• Official college/university transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Official final high-school transcript (GED holders should submit official GED scores in lieu of high-school transcripts; home school students must provide a letter confirming graduation requirements were met if a diploma or transcript is not available.
• Official ACT or SAT I scores (if applicant is not test score optional).
• A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• One Professor recommendation form, from a former professor or school administrator (unless the applicant has not recently been enrolled, in which case, the recommendation form from professionals in non-educational fields and/or other community leaders will be accepted). 

Transfer Student Enrollment Policies

Policies related to transfer student enrollment include:

• One academic year on campus residence is required of all degree-seeking candidates, except for non-traditional students who live off campus.
• Students completing a college-level composition course with a grade of B or higher may waive L&I 100. Students who waive L&I 100 are expected to enroll in L&I 200 during their first term of enrollment. 
• Students completing two college-level composition courses with a grade of B or higher in both courses may waive L&I 100 and L&I 200. 
• Students requiring Developmental Math must maintain continuous enrollment until the Developmental Math sequence is completed.
• Transfer students are subject to the eight-term limit with incoming transfer credit counting against the limit. Terms are charged using the following rule: the equivalent of 4 Berea credits is equal to one term.  For example, a student with 16 semester hours (4 Berea credits) will be charged one term and a student with 32 semester hours (8 Berea credits) will be charged 2 terms, etc.  For more information see Course Credit and Equivalent and to appeal for additional terms see Eight-Term Rule and Extension of Terms.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is the acceptance of comparable prior learning in the form of course credit on a student's academic transcript. At Berea, only courses and earned credits completed with a grade of C or higher at a regionally accredited institution within 10 years of initial enrollment at Berea are transferable to Berea College. Before transfer credit is awarded, the Registrar's Office, in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair(s), will review the credit to determine if the course meets the standard for level, content, quality, comparability to Berea coursework, and program relevance. The amount of credit granted by the original institution will be honored by Berea and transposed into comparable course credits or fractions of course credits. If not accepted to meet a specific requirement, such credit can be accepted as an elective credit. One course credit at Berea represents four semester hours or six quarter hours elsewhere. No credit is granted for developmental courses or other courses not at the college level, as defined by that institution (typically courses numbered below 100, such as 090 or 36B).

Credit for a course in which a P, S, or credit grade has been earned is not accepted.  

Only credit is transferred to Berea, not grades or quality points. Transfer credit is not used in computing the GPA at Berea College and higher grades will not replace lower grades on the Berea transcript.

International Students: College- or university-level academic credit will NOT be evaluated for the possibility of transfer credit unless the applicant indicates the name and dates of attendance for any other college or university on the application for admission.

For information on how Berea course credits equal semester or quarter hours, please see Course Credit and Equivalent.

Math Placement

Development Math is required for graduation.  Part or all of the Developmental Math sequence can be waived for students earning particular scores on the ACT, SAT, AP Calculus or by waiver examination.  See additional details about the Developmental Math Requirement under degree requirements. 

Placement in credit-bearing math courses is determined by examination. 

Time Limit for Earned Credit

All course credits used to satisfy Berea’s degree requirements must have been earned within 10 years of the date of the student’s initial enrollment at Berea College or at another regionally accredited institution. An exception to this rule may be granted with approval of both the Academic Program Council and the Department Chair for the department in which the student is majoring or plans to major.

Berea’s Admissions Territory

In keeping with its historic commitment to serving the Appalachian region, Berea College strives to admit 70-80 percent of its students from counties in nine states that fall within Berea’s primary “admissions territory.” These counties, many of which are located in Appalachia, are listed below. Students from over 40 states nationally and more than 70 other countries make up the remaining 20 percent of Berea’s student population.

Alabama

Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, St. Clair, Shelby, Talladega

Georgia

Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield

Kentucky

All counties

North Carolina

Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey

Ohio

Adams, Athens, Brown, Clermont, Gallia, Hamilton, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, Washington

South Carolina

Greenville, Oconee, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Cannon, Carter, Cheatham, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Fentress, Franklin, Giles, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Hickman, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Loudon, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Maury, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Moore, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Robertson, Rutherford, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Smith, Sullivan, Sumner, Trousdale, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson, Wilson

Virginia

Alleghany, Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Loudoun, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Patrick, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Wise, Wythe

West Virginia

Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mineral, Mingo, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming

Immunization Requirements for New and Continuing Students

Financial Aid and Student Accounts

Berea’s Extraordinary Financial Plan

The Financial Aid Program of Berea College is based on the principle of providing the best possible education for the least cost. Many generations of donors to Berea College have provided a remarkable endowment and tuition replacement fund whereby no admitted student is asked to pay out-of-pocket for tuition. Tuition is the cost to the College for a student's education (faculty and staff salaries, upkeep of non-residential buildings, equipment, etc.). The cost to Berea College of providing educational opportunities (tuition) for the 2025-2026 award year is $54,700 per student. 

Students admitted to the College are guaranteed substantial financial aid through various resources. For the 2025-2026 award year, all students receive a $9,100 Berea Work Scholarship based on their participation in the Labor Program. Additional resources, such as federal and state grant aid, outside scholarships, and donor-designated gifts, ensure tuition is covered. All students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships to help the College cover the cost of tuition. If students are unable to obtain scholarships to cover tuition, College alumni and donors will help make up the difference.

In addition, most students receive aid to assist with the costs of housing, food, and fees according to the families’ ability to pay as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (See Cost of Attendance below for a complete list of expenses.) Each student’s calculated financial need will be met through resources such as the College’s work program, the Federal Work Study program, public and private grants and scholarships, and institutional funds as needed.  While student loans are not included in initial financial aid offers, loans are available to assist families who cannot pay their contribution as determined by the FAFSA.

Because no student has out-of-pocket expenses for tuition, students and families typically cannot claim either of the IRS education credits for tax purposes.

Berea provides all first-year students with a laptop computer that is theirs to keep upon graduation. (See EDGE Program for more information.) Financial aid may also be available for special learning opportunities such as education abroad, internships, and domestic independent and team-initiated studies. (See Opportunities Common to Many Fields of Study.)

Student Health Insurance

 All students attending Berea College are urged to have health insurance coverage in Kentucky.  If a student is in a plan that does not transport to Kentucky, they can pick up a non-ACA compliant student plan from the College.  The policy provides primary coverage for students with no other insurance.

The insurance premium is part of the Student Expense budget and is reflected as a fee.  Financial Aid is applied to this cost, based on need, as established by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Therefore, most students are not asked to pay the insurance premium for this insurance.

White House Clinic, contracted by the College, asks for information from new students about insurance coverage.  Students must complete all forms identifying their primary health insurance company prior to Fall confirmation.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance, also known as the student budget, is a reasonable estimate of the costs a student will incur during a period of enrollment at Berea College. While tuition and fees are components of the cost of attendance, tuition and fees are covered through the various sources of aid (as discussed in the previous section). Therefore, the student (and family) is responsible for the other expenses included in the table below.

A student’s cost of attendance varies depending on where they will live during the academic year. Housing and food charges will be set by the College and charged to a student’s account (if the student is living on campus and has a meal plan). Other charges are indirect charges that may not be charged to the student’s account and will vary based on personal spending habits. (Students have the option of charging books and supplies purchased through the College Bookstore to their accounts.)

2025-2026 Cost of Attendance (Fall and Spring Terms)

* Fees include the following amounts per term: Health & Dental $88, Campus Activities $54,Student Engagement $17, and Technology $231

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are monetary gifts that do not have to be repaid. Some scholarships and grants defray the cost of tuition and direct student expenses, and others are used for special purposes and programs. Many scholarships and grants are reserved for students who meet specific criteria without the need for additional application procedures. (See Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes for details about some of these institutional scholarships and grants.)

In addition to institutional scholarship and grant funds, Berea College participates in the following federal and state programs: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Kentucky College Access Grants, Kentucky Tuition Grants, and Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES).

Earnings from Work

An integral form of financial assistance at Berea College is available through the Student Labor Program. All students enrolled in an academic term (Fall, Spring, or Summer) receive a Labor Grant that is applied directly to tuition each term ($4,500 Fall, $4,500 Spring, and a prorated amount for Summer). In addition, students receive direct scholarship payments based on hours worked each pay period (totaling between $2,000 and $3,000 per year) to assist with educational and personal expenses. Depending on total hours worked, a student receives between $28.00 and $37.00 per hour in scholarship funds.

Loans

While initial award offers do not include loans, low-interest, long-term loans may be obtained from Berea College when needed to pay for essential school expenses. Student Financial Aid Services will counsel students inquiring about a loan to ensure other options have been considered. Most loans do not accrue interest while the student is still enrolled at least halftime.  Loans typically enter repayment six months after a student graduates or leaves the College. Loans must be repaid within an agreed-upon schedule. Non-interest-bearing (or 0%) loans may be available for students with significant financial need.

Berea College participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. These federal loans have fixed interest rates set by the Department of Education each year. For more information about these types of loans, see https://studentaid.gov or contact Student Financial Aid Services at 859-985-3310.

Financial Aid Eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require that all students who receive any federal financial assistance meet minimum academic standards as they progress toward a degree. This is known as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Berea College expects all enrolled students to meet minimum SAP standards. Students are responsible for understanding SAP and graduation requirements and monitoring their academic standing to ensure compliance with these policies.  (These standards apply to aid eligibility and do not replace or override Berea College academic policies as outlined in Academic Performance Standards.)

SAP is determined quantitatively (through pace and maximum timeframe) and qualitatively (through GPA). Students must maintain SAP in all three areas to remain eligible for federal financial aid. SAP is evaluated at the conclusion of each spring term.

Enrollment

The minimum standard for full-time enrollment is three credits per term. The minimum standard for part-time enrollment (at least half-time) is 1.5 credits per term.

Quantitative

The maximum time frame in which a student must complete their degree cannot exceed more than 150% of the published length of the student’s program. All majors at Berea require a minimum of 32 credits to complete the degree and must be completed in six (6) academic years for financial aid purposes. Berea College students can, therefore, attempt up to 48 credits and still be eligible for aid. Once 48 credits are exceeded, eligibility for federal aid is suspended.  All repeated courses, failed courses, withdrawals, and transferred hours will count as credits attempted toward the maximum time frame. In addition, students must earn at least two-thirds (67%) of all credits attempted. This is known as pace.

Qualitative

In order to meet qualitative SAP standards, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. (Students who have been placed on academic probation by the College are considered to be meeting SAP with a 1.67 GPA after their second term and a 1.85 GPA after their third term.)

Evaluation

All enrolled students are evaluated for SAP at the end of each spring term after official grades have posted. Students who fail SAP will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will be notified by Student Financial Aid Services that they are no longer eligible for financial aid. However, students placed on suspension may appeal.

Appeals

Appeals must be submitted to Student Financial Aid Services in written form. The appeal must speak to the circumstances surrounding the failure to meet SAP standards. The appeal must also detail the plans in place to achieve academic success for the upcoming term and to ensure successful and timely degree completion. The appeal must also list the resources students will utilize to support their plan.

Regaining Eligibility

Students will be considered in good standing for financial aid purposes once they reach minimum SAP standards or receive approval of a submitted appeal. Students granted an approval will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. Probation allows students to receive aid for one period of enrollment with the understanding they must meet certain minimum standards as explained in their SAP plan. SAP will be evaluated after each probationary term. Failure to meet the minimum standards of the SAP plan will again result in suspension.

Sitting out for any length of time does not affect a student’s SAP status. Students who re-enroll after a period of absence must submit an appeal if they were not meeting SAP standards at the time they left in order for financial aid eligibility to be determined.

Refund Policy

College Refund Policy

The following regulations govern refunds when proper procedures for withdrawal as outlined in this publication have been adhered to:

Course Fee Charges - A student who drops a course with a fee before the end of the first week of classes during a regular term is entitled to a refund of the course fee. 

Meal Charges - A student who withdraws before the end of a term is entitled to a refund of half of the unexpired portion of the meal charge.

Housing Charge - A student who withdraws during the first two weeks of a term is entitled to a refund of half the housing charge.

• Refunds are made approximately two weeks after notice of withdrawal is received and disbursed in the following order:
• Repayment of federal and state loans and grants made for the current term;
• Repayment of aid granted from Berea College funds;
• Repayment of all amounts due Berea College;
• Balance paid to student account.

Any remaining balance due Berea College must be paid before a transcript is issued. Diplomas will not be issued to students with financial obligations remaining on their Student Account.

Federal Refund Policy

A portion of Title IV grant or loan funds (except Federal Work Study) must be returned to the Title IV programs upon the recipient’s withdrawal from school.

Withdrawal Date

As determined by the school, the date the student withdraws, is the date: 1) the student began the withdrawal process prescribed by the school; 2) the student otherwise provided the school with official notification of intent to withdraw; or 3) the midpoint of the payment period or period of enrollment for which Title IV assistance was disbursed (for the student who does not begin the school’s withdrawal process or notify the school of the intent to withdraw).

If the school determines the student did not begin the withdrawal process or notify the school of the intent to withdraw—due to illness, accident, or other such circumstances beyond the student’s control—the school may determine the appropriate withdrawal date.

Percentage of the Payment Period or Period of Enrollment Completed

The percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment for which assistance was awarded that was completed is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days comprising the payment period or the period of enrollment for which assistance is awarded into the number of calendar days completed in that period as of the day the student withdrew.

Calculation of Title IV Assistance Earned

To calculate the amount of Title IV assistance earned by a student, the school first must determine the percentage of Title IV assistance the student earned. Up through the 60-percent point in time, the percentage of assistance earned is equal to the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment for which it was awarded that was completed as of the day the student withdrew. If the student withdraws after the 60-percent point, then the percentage earned is 100 percent. That earned percentage is applied to the total amount of Title IV grant and loan assistance disbursed (and that could have been disbursed) to the student, or on the student’s behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment for which it was awarded as of the day the student withdrew.

Calculation of Title IV Assistance Not Earned

The amount of Title IV grant and loan assistance not earned by the student is calculated by determining the complement of the percentage of assistance the student earned and applying it to the total amount of grant and loan assistance that was disbursed (and that could have been disbursed) to the student, or on the student’s behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the day the student withdrew.

Differences between Amounts Earned and Amounts Received

The school will follow the regulations for late disbursement if the student received less grant or loan assistance than the amount earned. If the student has received more grant or loan assistance than the amount earned, then the unearned funds shall be returned by the school or the student, or both.

Responsibility of the School

The school shall return the lesser of the unearned amount of Title IV assistance or an amount equal to the total institutional charges the student incurs for the payment period or period of enrollment for which the assistance was awarded, multiplied by the unearned percentage of awarded Title IV grant and loan assistance.

Responsibility of the Student

The student shall return unearned Title IV assistance minus the amount the school returns.

Special Rule

A student (or parent for PLUS loans) repays the calculated amount attributable to a Title IV loan program according to the loan’s terms. A student repays a Title IV grant program subject to repayment arrangements satisfactory to the school or the U.S. Secretary of Education’s overpayment collection procedures. A student shall not be required to return 50 percent of the unearned grant. The College will bill the student for the amount owed and collect repayment. A student who fails to repay may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education or other appropriate agency for collection. The student may be ineligible for further federal student aid funds.

Order of Return of Title IV Funds

Excess funds returned by the school or student are credited to outstanding Title IV loan balances for the student or made on the student’s behalf for which a return of funds is required. Excess funds must be credited to outstanding balances in the following order:

1. Direct William D. Ford loans
2. Direct William D. Ford PLUS loans

Remaining Excesses

If excess funds remain after repaying all outstanding loan amounts, the remaining amount is credited to grant programs in the following order:

1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal SEOG
3. Other Title IV assistance for which a return of funds is required.

Student Accounts, Term Bills, and Payment Plan

Upon enrollment, each student at Berea College is assigned a Student Account. This account contains charges for housing, meals, required fees, and selected educational items such as books, supplies, and institutional fees and fines. Financial aid for educational costs also is credited to this account.

To confirm enrollment and validate the student ID, student account balances from the previous term must be paid in full.  In addition, all charges for the current term must be paid or resolved prior to the first day of classes for each term.  If the current term charges cannot be paid in full by the first day of classes, a payment plan must be arranged through the Office of Student Financial Aid Services.  Payment plans for the current term may include a combination of payments by cash, check, or credit card; use of labor earning via payroll deduction (50% or more); or additional aid such as institutional or federal loans.

Once the student account is paid for a prior term, students will be able to charge books through the College's on-line Bookstore.  Other educational costs and College fines also may be applied to the account. These charges and any charges remaining as part of a payment plan must be resolved in order to register for upcoming terms. (Continuing students must have paid their Term Bill below $100 before being able to register for upcoming terms.)  Student financial aid cannot be used to cover any fines.

Charges remaining on the account or incurred after registration must be resolved by the end of the term. Special financial aid for upcoming terms (e.g., grants for travel abroad) will not be released until the account balance is paid in full.

The College establishes fees and charges under the following circumstances:

• as a charge for some service or materials to be used by the student;
• as a privilege to do something out of the usual pattern;
• as a means of defraying administrative costs that are involved in making materials and services available; and/or
• as a deterrent (fine or disciplinary charge)

Immunization Policy

Students matriculating at Berea College are required to have the following immunizations: DPT series with current Td or Tdap booster (within 10 years); polio series; meningococcal; and two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) injections after the first birthday. Immunization for hepatitis A & B and chicken pox, while not required, are highly recommended. Also recommended are TB screening and the human papilloma virus vaccine.

Exceptions to this policy may be made for a documented allergy to substances in one or more of these vaccines or on the basis of a sincere and genuine religious belief prohibiting a particular immunization. Such a medical or religious waiver must have been applied for on the appropriate College form (submitted to lsl@berea.edu) and granted by the Immunization Exception Committee.

Immunizations for Education Abroad:

Students participating in international study/travel opportunities are required to have received all of their childhood vaccinations and be up-to-date on other vaccinations that the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, such as ones to protect against COVID-19.

Additionally, students are required to receive all immunizations that the CDC requires to travel to a particular country or region; and Berea College's Center for International Education may require immunizations that the CDC merely recommends for that country or region.

For example, students hoping to study in Ghana, are required to:

A. Have all their routine (childhood) vaccinations and boosters.

B. Have their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

C. Get vaccinated against Yellow Fever (something that is recommended by the CDC, yet required by the Center for International Education) prior to traveling to Ghana.

Revision Date: November 1, 2023

Submitted by: Student Life Adm. Office

The Work College Program

Introduction to the Work College Program

Berea's Labor Program originated in its earliest form in 1859 and expanded to become one of the College's Great Commitments. Known today as Path to Purpose, the program provides economic, educational, social, personal, and spiritual benefits to students and to those served by their work-learning. From its earliest days, Berea has enabled students to contribute to the cost of their education while building skills, exploring their strengths, and serving the college and surrounding communities. Historically, this also allowed the College to operate in a self-sustaining way, with students growing food and building the living and learning facilities they shared. As society has changed, the nature of the work has changed with it. What has remained constant is the program's underlying commitment to learning through doing.

The program originated in 1859 and was formalized into every student's educational experience in 1906, when the Berea College Catalog declared that every student must contribute at least seven hours per week to the necessary work of the College. This was raised to ten hours in 1917, a requirement that remains in effect today.

The value of student work-learning is reinforced in Berea's Great Commitments, first published in 1969 by the General Faculty and the Board of Trustees, and revised in 1993 and again in 2017. This affirms Berea's commitment "to promote learning and serving in community through the student Labor Program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done." This commitment has long been integral to Berea's educational mission, giving students real opportunity for learning, service, and work well done.

Path to Purpose is built around a few core aims:

TRACY UltraTime

Enrollment Agreement

Every student signs the Enrollment Agreement upon entering Berea College, and it remains in effect for the entire period of their enrollment. The agreement outlines the basic commitments made by both the student and the College with respect to the student's required participation in Path to Purpose, Berea's Work College Program. For students, it covers expectations such as fulfilling a work-learning assignment, meeting hour and scheduling requirements, accepting an approval for a Status Form for each position held, and engaging thoughtfully in the position's learning and mentorship opportunities. For the College, it outlines commitments such as providing meaningful work-learning-service opportunities, a work scholarship, avenues for growth and advancement, and a grievance procedure for resolving concerns.

Supervisors should be familiar with this agreement, since it establishes the foundation for what students have already committed to before they ever begin a position, and it reinforces many of the same expectations supervisors are responsible for upholding day to day. The current version of the agreement is below.

Hour Contracts

During each academic term, students have the following hour expectation based on their contractual hours:

Overloads

An overload is defined as working more than fifteen hours per week during the regular academic year. When a supervisor submits a contract that exceeds this limit, the system automatically triggers the overload review process; no action is required from the student. Requests are routed to Financial Aid for preliminary review, and approval specifies whether it applies to the full academic year, fall term, or spring term. Overloads may continue from term to term within the same academic year if all guidelines remain met.

Overloads cannot be approved retroactively and are subject to periodic review. Approval may be revoked if a student's primary position hours, work-learning performance, or academic performance become less than satisfactory. Student records are reviewed mid-year, and students are notified if an overload is discontinued.

Guidelines for Approval

• Sophomore, junior, or senior classification
• Meeting Work College Program requirements in the primary position
• Not on any form of probation
• Enrolled in fewer than five course credits with fewer than eight preparations (fall and spring terms only)
• A 2.50 GPA, both cumulative and for the previous full term; the cumulative GPA requirement may be waived if a 3.00 GPA was earned during the previous full term

Requests for more than 20 hours are subject to additional guidelines:

• Junior or senior classification
• A 3.00 GPA in the major, overall, and for the previous term
• Submission of a letter outlining the reason for requesting more than 20 hours
• Approval from the Dean for the Work College Program and the Student Admissions and Academic Standing Committee

These approval guidelines may be waived in cases where a student parent must work 20 hours per week to receive state childcare benefits, such as KTAP, though an application must still be submitted and reviewed.

During periods of non-enrollment, such as vacation periods or summer practicum, hours must not exceed 40 hours per week.

First-Year Assignments

First-year students, defined as incoming first-year, international, exchange, and transfer students attending Berea College for the first time, are assigned centrally by the Work College Program Office. Once students confirm their enrollment for the fall term, they submit a resume and an interest form detailing their skills, experience, and preferences. The Program Office reviews this information and places each student in a position directly; supervisors are not involved in reviewing candidates or selecting students for first-year placements.

All first-year students are assigned WLS Level 1, ten-hour positions for their first academic year (August through May), though a position change is possible mid-year through the process outlined below. Two of these ten weekly hours are fulfilled through First-Year Summit, a required weekly cohort-based experience that supports the transition into Path to Purpose by building community, connecting work to learning, reflecting on strengths and growth areas, and developing the skills and habits needed for success in college, work, and life. Transfer students may be assigned a higher WLS level depending on relevant prior work experience.

Centralized placement for first-year students helps ensure equity, since incoming students are not yet in a position to promote themselves to prospective supervisors. While many first-year positions are in service areas, students are placed in departments across campus depending on availability. A student's first position emphasizes transferable skills, such as punctuality, accountability, initiative, and communication, while giving the student time to acclimate to college life and explore future interests.

First-year students are not normally permitted an overload during their first year. A first-year student may request a mid-year position change; however, any new position must also be a WLS Level 1 position, and the request must follow the standard Position Change Process.

Academic study and work-learning through the Work College Program are a student's primary responsibilities at Berea College and together constitute a full-time load. While outside work is permitted in accordance with College policy, first-year students are encouraged to avoid off-campus employment during their first year, to allow time to adjust to academic and campus life.

Exchange, Part-Time, and Non-Degree Students

Exchange students are required to participate fully in the Work College Program. Part-time students are also required to participate, though a reduction in hours may be approved by the Dean for the Work College Program depending on the circumstances. Non-degree students are permitted to participate in the Work College Program, provided funding is available and all degree-seeking students have already been assigned.

Last Day to Change A Position

A primary position is confirmed through the Status Form site, where students review and acknowledge their contract before it is processed. This acknowledgment confirms the student's commitment to the position for the designated period.

A change to a primary position can only occur within a term, on or before the Last Day to Change a Position, as noted in the academic calendar, unless the change is warranted by a disciplinary action, a medical reason, or a Work College Program administrative condition. This date occurs one week after the first day of class in any term; refer to the academic calendar for the official date. Requests made after this deadline require approval from the Work College Program Office.

Students wishing to change positions between the Fall and Spring terms should follow the Position Change Process, which has its own separate timeline and required form.

A student is responsible for confirming that their position is contracted at the correct WLS level. A student who believes their WLS level is incorrect should notify both the Work College Program and their supervisor as soon as possible. A WLS level cannot be corrected retroactively once a term has ended.

Note: First-year students are assigned to a position for the entire academic year, but may request a mid-year change into another WLS Level 1 position by following the Position Change Process, with approval from the Work College Program Office.

Absence Policy

Context

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based, financial aid program that provides part-time work for students. Under federal regulations, students can only receive FWS payments for the hours they actually participate in the program. This means:

• Students cannot be paid for time missed due to illness, personal reasons, or vacation.
• Sick days, holidays, or other time off are not compensated under FWS.

According to federal regulation34 CFR 675.16(a)(5), “a student’s FWS compensation is earned when the student performs the work.”

Purpose

To provide student colleagues with fair and consistent support when bereavement, illness, or emergencies prevent them from participating in the program while upholding the requirement to complete 160 hours per term as a condition of their enrollment at the college.

Sick Days and Mental Health Time

Students are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours per term as part of their Work-Learning-Service (WLS) commitment. To support student well-being, Berea College allows up to 10 hours of unpaid time off per term for illness, mental health days, or other unexpected health-related needs without requiring documentation.

• Use of Sick and Mental Health Time-Off: Students must notify their supervisorpriorto missing a scheduled WLS obligation. Students are not required to disclose personal health details.
• Timekeeping: Students should email their supervisor to ensure that time off is properly recorded in the timekeeping system.

Policy Notes

• These hours are unpaid but count toward the 160 hour term requirement.
• The 10 hours of unpaid time-off is not accrued or banked. It exists as built-in flexibility for short-term needs like illness, mental health, or emergencies.
• Any hours beyond the 10 sick/mental health hours must be made upby the end of the term unless it is a prolonged or documented medical absence (see below)
• These hours may not be used to leave a WLS position early. Students are expected to remain engaged through the end of the term.

Prolonged or Documented Medical Absences

If a student experiences a prolonged illness or medical condition that prevents them from participating in the WLS program for an extended period, the absence may be excused beyond the 10-hour limit, based on proper documentation.

• What to Provide: Documentation should confirm the dates the student is unable to participate, any restrictions, and when the student is cleared to return.
• Single-Day Appointments: For individual medical appointments, documentation must include the date of the appointment in order for the absence to be excused.
• How It Works: Excused absences with documentation will be credited toward the 160-hour requirement but will remain unpaid.

Guidance for Non-Traditional Students

Students who are pregnant, parenting, or responsible for the care of a child or dependent are encouraged to communicate with their supervisor and the WLS Program regarding any absences related to caregiving responsibilities. This may include medical appointments, CDL closures, or other situations that prevent participation during scheduled WLS hours.

These absences are supported under the Program’s excused hours policy and are consistent with Title IX protections. Students are encouraged to reach out early to the WLS Program so that appropriate support and documentation can be provided. 

Bereavement Leave

Students may take up to six unpaid hours per term in the event of the death of a family member or loved one. This time may be used for funeral attendance, travel, and/or grieving.

Allotment and Scheduling

• The Program Office allows students to use up to 2 unpaid bereavement hours per day, in line with the typical 10-hour minimum weekly work schedule. Students may still work more than 10 hours in a week if approved by their supervisor. 

Impact on WLS Requirements 

• Bereavement hours do not count toward the 10 hours of sick and mental health time, but they do count toward the 160-hour requirement.

Notification and Documentation

• Students should notify their supervisor as soon as they are able.
• No documentation is required for up to six hours of bereavement leave. 
• If a student needs to take more than six hours in a term, the additional time must be approved by the Program Office and supported by documentation. 

Policy Approved by the Administrative Committee on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Work-Learning Evaluation (WLE): An Online Tool in NEOED

The Work-Learning Evaluation (WLE) process supports a student's personal and professional development in the workplace by establishing performance standards consistent with the Berea College Workplace Expectations, assessing how well those standards are met, and identifying ways a student and their supervisor can work together to enhance the student's learning opportunities. Completing this evaluation regularly creates a documented work-learning performance history for each student and helps Berea College meet institutional and federal compliance requirements. The WLE is completed online through NEOED.

As part of this process, students should expect a mid-year evaluation at the midpoint of their position's contract period, and a final evaluation at its conclusion, as defined by the Status Form. Each WLE begins with the student completing a self-evaluation and reflection, which is then reviewed and completed by the supervisor. Supervisors are also encouraged to have periodic conversations with students about their performance, offering suggestions and opportunities for ongoing reflection and growth, beyond the formal evaluation itself.

Rating Scale

Each core question is rated using one of the following:

• Exceeds Expectations
• Meets Expectations
• Needs Improvement
• Does Not Meet Expectations

Core Questions

1. The student is reliable and dependable (for example, arrives prepared to work, completes tasks in a timely manner, and meets deadlines).
2. The student takes accountability for their actions.
3. The student's work meets expectations for the tasks and projects assigned.
4. The student takes initiative to seek answers to their own questions (for example, looking up resources in a handbook, asking a fellow student colleague, or requesting help from a supervisor).
5. The student shows interest in learning more about current or future work-learning opportunities.
6. The student communicates clearly when sharing ideas or asking questions.

Skill Development

Students list any skills they have learned in their current position. Supervisors list any skills they believe the student has learned in their current position.

Workplace Expectations

• Strengths: Examples of strengths the student displays in relation to the Workplace Expectations.
• Growth Opportunities: Examples of growth opportunities for the student in relation to the Workplace Expectations.

Faculty, staff, and students make up one community at Berea, and all are expected to uphold the Workplace Expectations. See Workplace Expectations under Goals and Purposes for the full list.

WLE results are a central part of the WLS Transcript, documenting a student's performance for each position held in a term or summer period. Because these results can provide an advantage in future career opportunities, students should strive to perform at a high level in every position they hold at Berea.

Work-Learning Experience Evaluation (WLEE: An Online, Web-Based Tool

The Work-Learning Experience Evaluation (WLEE) is an assessment tool designed to provide student feedback to those responsible for Work College Program effectiveness at the supervisor, department, and program levels. Student responses to the WLEE are one of many sources of information used by the Program personnel in their efforts to improve the educational quality of the student work experience at Berea College. 

The evaluation allows students to reflect upon their overall labor experience while at Berea College. This survey allows students to evaluate back to us their labor experiences in five key areas:

1. Learning through work experiences
2. The relationships between work and academics
3. Four core general educational goals
4. Evaluation of the local work area
5. Evaluation of the Work College Program 

Students are required towards the end of the academic year to evaluate and reflect on their labor experience through the evaluation. Students are asked to complete the evaluation based on the current primary position but certainly other positions should be considered when thinking about the overall experience. Departments should set aside time to allow the student to complete this evaluation during work time. The majority of the departments will utilize the weekly Tuesday 4-5 PM meeting time to allow their students to complete this web based on-line evaluation. 

Labor Program Evaluation (LPE): An Online, Web-Based Tool

Presently under development, this on-line tool will allow Labor Supervisors and Department Administrators to evaluate the Labor Program Administrative offices and services provided which includes student payroll.

Program Transcript

The Work College Program Transcript serves as a record of a student's participation in the program throughout their enrollment. It provides a detailed accounting of every position held, including the department and supervisor name, the WLS levels attained, assigned work hours per week, and the results of each departmental evaluation. It also includes a record of any distinctions received, such as awards, special training, and certifications.

Students can use this transcript when writing resumes and pursuing future job searches, since it provides official documentation from Berea College showing position performance and skill levels attained.

The transcript is official only when it bears the embossed College seal and an authorized signature in blue ink. Transcripts are printed on security paper, and the word "COPY" will appear in the background if photocopied. Berea College cannot guarantee the authenticity of any transcript not issued directly to the receiving party. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), this transcript may not be released to a third party without the student's written consent.

A transcript can be requested through the Work College Program Office and is issued free of charge to current and former students. If a transcript is requested through a third-party processing system, a processing fee will apply through that third party.

A former student may have a hold preventing access to their records if they left Berea College with an outstanding account balance, if their loans are not in good standing, or if they did not meet their work-learning hour requirement by the end of their final term. Students in this situation should contact the appropriate department to resolve the hold.

Labor Probation

The decision to place a student on probation is made by the Associate Dean, in consultation with other Work College Program staff, based on a review of the relevant circumstances. Probation typically occurs when a student in a primary position has:

1. Failed, over the course of a term, to work a minimum of 10 hours a week.
2. Fallen significantly behind in hours during a term, with unsuccessful attempts at warning or counseling.
3. Falsified time or work records; in some cases, this may also be grounds for a judicial hearing.
4. Failed to meet the requirements of an accountability agreement.
5. Received a rating of "Does Not Meet Expectations" on one or more core questions of the Work-Learning Evaluation for their primary position
6. Failed to meet the department's expectations or needs during a term. (Documentation from the supervisor describing how the student did not meet expectations is required in this case.)

Probation is centrally monitored and recorded and can significantly affect a student's participation in College activities. A student on probation:

• Will be denied participation in international travel experiences, internships, independent studies, College-sponsored off-campus summer internships, and off-campus short-term exchanges; a student found significantly deficient in meeting their work obligation at mid-term may also be denied during the application process for these opportunities.
• Will not be eligible for an overload, or a leave of absence.
• Will not be permitted to hold a WLS Level 5 or 6 position, or certain unclassified positions (such as CAB Chair or Pinnacle Editor); a student already serving in one of these roles may be released if placed on probation.
• May be ineligible for certain program awards, scholarship and service awards, and membership in honorary societies (such as Mortar Board).
• May be ineligible to apply for a residence hall staff position.
• May be denied permission for an off-campus position.

Probation typically lasts one regular term but may be extended at the discretion of the Associate Dean, in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program, depending on the circumstances.

Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension

The Associate Dean in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program may elect to place a student on Labor Probation—Immediate Suspension. This “last chance” designation involves the development of an accountability agreement between the student and the Work College Program, violation of which results in a recommendation of immediate suspension by the Associate Dean. 

Suspension within a Term

Non-performance as a student colleague can lead to suspension within a term. In cases where a student has been placed on labor probation and continues a pattern of non-performance the Associate Dean or the Labor Program Council in consultation with the Dean for the Work College Program may elect to develop an accountability agreement and place the student on Labor Probation- Immediate Suspension. Accountability agreements outline clear expectations that- if not met- are grounds for immediate suspension within the term.

Work College suspension is a serious matter. It appears on the student’s academic transcript for the duration of the suspension, and results in a designation of “not in good standing” which often prevents admission to another institution. At the end of the suspension period, the language is removed from the transcript and the student is once again in good standing. While the student may apply for readmission to Berea College, it is not guaranteed

Student Grievance Procedure

Berea is a community built on working together, and students are encouraged to raise concerns about their work-learning experience openly, starting with their supervisor. Most concerns can be resolved informally at this level and are taken just as seriously as a formal grievance.

Informal Resolution

If a concern remains unresolved after speaking with a supervisor, the student may bring it to the Associate Dean. The Work College Support Coordinator supports the Associate Dean and the program more broadly in addressing these concerns, though not every concern will necessarily involve both. The Associate Dean, or the Coordinator working on the Associate Dean's behalf, will review the concern and work toward a resolution. If a student disagrees with the outcome of this review, they may appeal the decision to the Dean for the Work College Program.

Students may also submit a concern at any time through Berea's College-wide Student Complaint Form, which includes the Work College Program as one of its listed categories and follows its own separate three-to-four-week response timeline, or request formal mediation through the Work College Program, as described under Mediation and Conflict Management.

Formal Grievance

If a resolution cannot be reached informally, a student may file a formal grievance by submitting the complaint in writing to the Dean for the Work College Program. The Dean may request written responses from the other parties involved and will typically issue a written report of findings and conclusions within one week of receiving the complaint, sharing it with all parties.

If any party appeals the Dean's decision, the Labor Program Council will convene, normally within one week of the appeal or as soon as possible thereafter. The Council Chairperson appoints a Grievance Board of four Council members, including the Chairperson, one student, one teaching faculty member, and one member from outside the Work College Program Office, with the Chairperson serving as chair of the Board. The Dean forwards all written documentation and the original report to the Board, which reviews the grievance and issues a written decision to all parties, typically within one week. The Board's decision is final, subject to legal and institutional requirements as determined by the President.

Adopted by the General Faculty, January 5, 1981. Titles updated July 2026.

Looking Ahead

The College has hired an Ombudsperson and is preparing to launch a new Ombuds structure, designed to meet the unique needs of students, staff, and faculty. More information will be shared as this resource becomes available, offering students an additional avenue of support for navigating a concern.

Grievances related to discrimination and sexual harassment are addressed through a separate process. Please refer to the Title IX section of this handbook for further details.